Catching Up With GU's Dranginis' Parents In Nampa - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

NUMBER 1 IN THE COUNTRY! GONZAGA FEVER! Catching Up With GU's Dranginis' Parents In Nampa!

Posted: Updated:

NAMPA, Idaho - Kyle Dranginis was always the smallest in the family. Despite a small size at a young age he always did big things. He was a state basketball champion, a two time Idaho Player of the Year and a three sport athlete. While we were on the road we stopped by his hometown of Nampa, Idaho.

"When he was here he did everything for us," Kyle's former coach Aaron Sanders said. "We always knew Kyle was going to play well and do a lot of things for us but he did a lot of different things to help us win."

Tim Dranginis watched his son grow as a person and an athlete over the years.

"As he was growing up he was always kind of the thin one of the bunch," Tim Dranginis said. "As he's reached the college level I've just seen him get stronger, bigger and his defense has gotten a lot better."

His defense and strength helped him land a scholarship at Gonzaga and his mother is absolutely thrilled that he sent himself to Spokane.

 "It's a blessing and I seriously thank god everyday that he's there," Kyle's mom Julie Dranginis said. "Everyone there is wonderful and he's surrounded by great people and I just can't think of a better place for him to be."

So what do his parents think about the Zags chances in the tournament? Mom said let dad answer.

"There's 68 teams, one's going to win," Tim Dranginis said. "I think if they can come out and play well every night they have a great chance at winning. If they don't shoot the ball well and they struggle that way it could be a tough night."

  • College SportsCollege

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 11:35 PM EDT2013-05-20 03:35:15 GMT
    Pullman police arrested Washington State linebacker Logan Mayes for a hit and run last Thursday.
    Pullman police arrested Washington State linebacker Logan Mayes for a hit and run last Thursday.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:38:24 GMT
    Zach Wright pitched seven shutout innings and Washington knocked off Washington State 5-2 in Pac-12 Conference baseball at Gesa Stadium, Sunday.
    Zach Wright pitched seven shutout innings and Washington knocked off Washington State 5-2 in Pac-12 Conference baseball at Gesa Stadium, Sunday.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:08:30 GMT
    Washington State dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of Washington Saturday afternoon at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, Wash.

     
    Washington State dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of Washington Saturday afternoon at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, Wash.

     
  • GonzagaGonzaga

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 12:06 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:06:30 GMT
    Photo courtesy Gonzaga athletics
    The Gonzaga University baseball team continued its struggle with the University Oregon by suffering a 4-1 defeat to the 10th-ranked Ducks Wednesday at PK Park.
    The Gonzaga University baseball team continued its struggle with the University Oregon by suffering a 4-1 defeat to the 10th-ranked Ducks Wednesday at PK Park.
  • Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:12 AM EDT2013-05-15 05:12:46 GMT
    After tying the game in the eighth inning, the Gonzaga University baseball team suffered a 4-3 defeat as No. 10 University of Oregon walked-off in the ninth inning at PK Park Tuesday.
    After tying the game in the eighth inning, the Gonzaga University baseball team suffered a 4-3 defeat as No. 10 University of Oregon walked-off in the ninth inning at PK Park Tuesday.
  • Monday, May 13 2013 1:15 AM EDT2013-05-13 05:15:33 GMT
    Six Gonzaga University baseball players spent the morning receiving their diplomasonly to battle in the series finale against Appalachian State University.
    Six Gonzaga University baseball players spent the morning at the Spokane Arena receiving their diplomas at the university's graduation ceremony only to battle in the series finale against Appalachian State University in the afternoon.